Series: Faith Under Fire (Daniel)[#4]
STUBBORN OR SURRENDER?
Daniel 4:1-37
Introduction:
Who here has to learn everything the hard way? When it comes to being obedient to God are you stubborn? Just as Jacob wrestled with God, we find that God will let us wrestle with Him; but He can stop the wrestling match anytime He wants to.
Daniel 4 is focused on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, his fall, and his repentance.
Daniel 4:1-3
The king then told his dream, Daniel interpreted the dream, and then the dream came true.
Daniel 4:4-33
Stubborn
The king was told what was going to happen. He realized that he was very powerful man and became extremely prideful. He was like a strong tree that could not be harmed, so he thought.
Now the underlying theme here is important. Remember that King Nebuchadnezzar had acknowledged to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that their God was the greatest of all gods because God had rescued them; but he had never acknowledged that Jehovah God was the only true God. The king was looking for a god that would be his “errand-boy”.
God is patient with us; but God does get our attention. This is an important message not only to Christians; but to our nation. You may think you are powerful, rich, etc…; but pride goes before the fall.
Revelation 3:14-18
Christians, you may be stubborn, but God will “line you out”. It would be so much easier if you would just be obedient the first time.
Hebrews 12:4-11
King Nebuchadnezzar went from the most powerful man to eating grass like a cow. What a change. God can remove those things that keep you from Him.
Daniel 4:34-36
Surrender
As soon as his time of punishment was over, he surrendered to God. He was convinced that God was the only God. Notice that after he surrendered to God that all of the focus on himself was gone and when he focused on God he began to praise and worship him.
Conclusion:
Daniel 4:37
1. The key to this passage is in this verse: God is perfect and righteous, and you can choose to follow Him and enjoy your fellowship with God or you can walk in pride and be humbled by God.
2. King Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony is one of failure in self and success through God.
3. Are you going to keep being stubborn or are you going to surrender to God?
